Jim Prentice expected to run for Alta. Tory leadership

FILE: Former Conservative cabinet minister Jim Prentice speaks at a University of Calgary School of Public Policy luncheon at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary on Thursday, September 27, 2012. He spoke mostly about the looming U.S. election and the impact it would have on Canada's economic future. LYLE ASPINALL/CALGARY SUN

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QMI Agency

EDMONTON -- It's all but official -- former federal cabinet minister Jim Prentice will run to lead the Alberta Tories.

﻿An authorized source close to Prentice told QMI Agency on Monday that Prentice will enter the race for PC leader in May. No official announcement will be made beforehand.

"He's been talking to cabinet and caucus. He's received a lot of encouragement to go and he's decided to put together a campaign team and finance team," the source said.

"In the coming days, probably next week, he'll make a formal announcement of his vision for the province."

The source said Prentice -- who was in federal cabinet more than three years ago -- is "very excited" to enter the race to replace former premier Alison Redford who resigned last month.

Prentice's federal posts included environment and aboriginal affairs. He was more recently working with Enbridge to make headway with native groups opposing the company's proposed Northern Gateway pipeline.